Sunset hikes

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Bethesda Trolley Trail 1.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:27 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:27 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car7:40 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:40 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 90 ft climb · 38 min of walking

2. Lake Needwood–Westside Viewpoint, 7 sights 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 4:04 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:04 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car10:06 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 10:06 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   6.4 mi to the viewpoint · 270 ft climb · 327 min of walking

3. Lake Bernard Frank–Sunfish Pond, 3 lakes 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 4:18 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:18 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car9:47 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 9:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   5.9 mi to the viewpoint · 210 ft climb · 294 min of walking

4. Study Pond–Sunfish Pond, 3 lakes 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 4:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:46 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car9:19 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 9:19 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   4.7 mi to the viewpoint · 220 ft climb · 238 min of walking

5. Sunfish Pond & Rock Creek Trail via Kengla Trail 3.3 mi away

   Leave by 5:35 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:35 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car8:33 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:33 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.8 mi to the viewpoint · 150 ft climb · 143 min of walking

6. Rock Creek Trail 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:42 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:42 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car7:28 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:28 PM — 5 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 11 min of walking

7. West Montgomery Avenue Sidepath via Carl Henn Millennium Trail 2.8 mi away

   Leave by 6:42 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:42 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car7:28 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:28 PM — 6 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 12 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

8. Centre Pond–Gaither Pond, 3 lakes 2.9 mi away

   Leave by 6:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car7:26 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:26 PM — 9 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

9. Piccard Pond–Gaither Pond, 3 lakes 2.9 mi away

   Leave by 6:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car7:26 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:26 PM — 9 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

10. Charred Oak Neighborhood Conservation Area & Tadpole Nursery via Cabin John Trail 3.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:41 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:41 PM
    2. Sunset7:07 PM
    3. Head back7:22 PM
    4. At your car7:28 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 7:28 PM — 7 min before dark.

    0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 11 min of walking

11. Tadpole Nursery via Cabin John Trail 3.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:46 PM
    2. Sunset7:07 PM
    3. Head back7:22 PM
    4. At your car7:24 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 7:24 PM — 10 min before dark.

    0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 3 min of walking

12. Cabin John Trail 3.2 mi away

    Leave by 6:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:46 PM
    2. Sunset7:07 PM
    3. Head back7:22 PM
    4. At your car7:24 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 7:24 PM — 10 min before dark.

    0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 2 min of walking